The dollar (often represented by the dollar sign: "$")'s the name of the official currency in several countries, including the Australia, New Zealand, The United States and Zimbabwe. History The German name Thaler comes from the Bohemian coin minted in the 16th century from silver mined at Joachimsthal in Bohemia. Not long after issuance, these coins gained the name Joachimsthalers. Subsequently, the coins were called "thaler" regardless of the issuing authority, and continued to be minted unti… (More on Dollar)